Adjustable attachment envelope



April 3, 1934. R. L. GRAY 1,953,852

ADJUSTABLE ATTACHMENT ENVELOPE Filed Sept. 25, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Illll l dttomog April 3, 1934. R. L. GRAY ADJUSTABLE ATTACHMENT ENVELOPE Filed Sept. 25, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 cutaway Patented Apr. 3, 1934 STATES PATENT OFFICE 10 Claims.

This invention relates to attachment envelopes; more particularly, to adjustable closures for envelopes.

It is an object of my invention to provide a mailing envelope particularly suitable for purposes of complying with the Post Office regulations governing the mailing of third class mail. It is contemplated by my invention to provide a mailing envelope Which can quickly and conveniently be fastened and which adjustably accommodates itself to varying contents, and still securely holds the closure flap in position. It is therefore contemplated as an object of my invention to provide a mailing envelope having fastening means for the closure thereof, fully complying With the postal regulations governing third class mail, in that inspection of the contents may be made Without breaking any seal, characterized by providing the envelope with complemental fastening means, one of which is a slot, the other of which includes a member in the nature of a button, made of flexible material, which readily responds to the touch of the fingers to be deformed into the slot.

Envelopes as known to me include two general types-so called string and button envelopes which are desirable in that the closure flap may be accommodated to varying contents, and fixed metallic closures which, though readily performing a temporary locking of the closure iiap, are objectionable in that they donot accommodate themselves to be distended to any great extent. The former type of envelope, however, is costly and is time consuming and therefore economically unfit for large production mailing. The second type of envelope mentioned, in addition to the insuiciency noted, requires considerable care in bending and closing and is further objectionable to postal authorities because of the likelihood of damage by tearing of and snagging of other mail packed therewith.

It is therefore contemplated by my invention to provide a mailing envelope suitable for complying with the Postal regulations governing jthird class mail, and for such other purposes where a temporary closure is desired, which has the advantages of the first mentioned type of envelope, as to adjustability, and that of the second type of fastening means for envelopes as to speed and facility with which it is closed, but

overcoming the objections of each as to reduction in cost and furthermore from the objectionable qualities involved in using bare and raw metal edges of fastening elements now in use.

It is therefore contemplated as an object of my invention to provide an envelope including a novel closure for the flap thereof, the closure members comprising complemental parts, one of Which is a slot, the other of which lis a deformable button, which normally is adapted to lie flat upon the slotted portion and prevent separation of the closure flap from the envelope.

It is therefore still further contemplated by my invention to provide fastening means for an envelope, in the nature of a flexible, deformable button adapted to be quickly and conveniently projected through an elongated slot formed on the flap of the envelope and which is easily and conveniently attened out to lie normally in the plane of the envelope to securely prevent displacement or accidental opening of the flap of the envelope.

in a more particular embodiment of my invention it is contemplated by me to provide in an envelope, a closure for the flap thereof, comprising a deformable button, preferably turnable, which may be projected through an elongated slot formed in the envelope and then turned side- Wise to lock the envelope flap against displacement, the material forming the button being such as to be readily deformed and by reason of the nature of the material which constitutes the same, or by the method of forming the same, whereby injury to theV hand may be avoided during bending and closing of the same, and whereby, further, in use as for mailing purposes, this closure element may lie flat and occupy the minimum space and avoids snagging of other envelopes packed or lying in contact therewith.

Still further objects of my invention reside in the provision of an envelope in which the closure nap thereof is provided with fastening means permitting adjustability of the flap to accommodate the same to varying contents, at the same time securely fastening the iiap into position, characterized by providing an elongated slot in the flap and a turn button attached to the body of the envelope, the turn button being formed to be readily deformed, to pass through the slot, but having sufficient inherent resiliency, by reason of its construction to be readily and facilely flattened in the normal plane of the envelope.

Other objects of my invention reside in the provision of an envelope and fastening means therefore which may be inexpensively manufactured, supplies all requirements for different conditions, in that it is capable of use with varying contents and susceptible of expeditious and speedy handling in purposes for which it is designed.

CII

To attain these objects and such further objects as may appear herein or be hereinafter pointed out, I make reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective fragmentary View of one embodiment of my invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan view of the same with the flap closed;

Figure 3 is a section taken on the line 3 -3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 2, with the fastening element turned into locking engagement;

Figure 5 is a plan view of a fastening element of the character used in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3;

Figure 6 is a plan View of a fastening element for another embodiment of my invention;

Figure 7 is a side elevation of my device with a still further embodiment of my invention;

Figure 8 is a side elevation showing another embodiment of the fastening element;

Figure 9 is a front elevation thereof;

Figure 10 is a section taken on the line 19-10 of Figure 9, with the fastening element folded;

Figure 11 is a section taken on the line 11-11 of Figure 9;

Making reference to the drawings, my device may be illustrated in connection with an envelope 10, comprising side flaps l1 and 12, overlapping at 13, and held in this position by adhesive 14. A sealing iiap 15 of the usual character may be provided and this is scored at 16 to permit folding of the sealing flap in the closed po- Y sitOn.

Preferably centrally of the sealing flap 15 there is provided an elongated slot 17, and about the peripheral edges on the inner surface of the sealing flap, there is provided a reenforcing washer 18.

Through the overlapping portions 13 of the side flaps 11 and 12, at a point corresponding from the score line 16, just slightly greater than the edge 19 of the slot 17 from the score line, I provide an eyelet 20 which has a flange 21 crimped into the inner surface of the envelope. The eyelet is of a length to accommodate itself to the overlapping layers 13, and the thickness of paper or similar fabric forming the ap 15 and the reenforcing washer 18. A button 22 of the character which will be described in greater detail hereinafter, is held in position by outer flange 23 of the eyelet 20. It will be understood that the eyelet 20 is of such length as to permit facile rotation of the button 22 held thereby, but when the button holds the flaps 15 in a manner which will hereinafter be described, it makes snug and frictionable Contact with this additional layer of material passing beneath its lower face.

The button 22 previously mentioned, comprises a disk of fairly stiff fabric, such as vulcanized paper, Celluloid, or a combination of paper and metal, more particularly illustrated in Figure 7. The disk has an orifice 24 adapted to receive the shank 25 on the eyelet.

To opposite sides of the orifice 24, I provide score lines 26 and 27. These score lines are spaced from each other for a distance corresponding substantially to the width of the slot 17.

In normal position, the button 22 is arranged so that the score lines 26 and 27 lie perpendicular to thescore line 16. When in this position, the edges28 and 29 may be grasped by the ngers and Y lifted to the position shown in Figures 1 and 2.

In this position, the button 22 easily passes through the slot 17, when the same is folded into the plane of the body of the envelope for sealing purposes. A slight rotation of the button to the position shown in Figure e serves to prevent the sealing flap 15 from displacement. The edges 28 and 29 may then be attened out readily into the plane of the paper. `This position is maintained readily, as the pressure from within the envelope tends to maintain the button 22 in the folded position.

In Figure 6, I have illustrated a further embodiment of my invention, particularly as to the form of the button 22a. In this embodiment, the button 22a is substantially the same configuration as previously supplied. However, there are provided arcuate score lines 25d and 27a. These score lines when thus formed and used in connection with fastening the envelope, as in the embodiment previously illustrated, will upon folding of the edges 28a and 29a, serve to slightly raise from the plane of the envelope, the oppositely disposed edges 30 and 31. When the buttton 22a is used in connection with my invention, rotation of the button to the position shown in Figure l will be considerably facilitated, as the edges 30 and 31 will easily clear the side walls of the slot 17. Further, also, by reason of the position of the score lines, pressure against the under surface of the button 22a. when it has been turned to a crosswise position to the slot, will tend to hold the edges 28a and 29a in a normally fiat position in the plane of the body of the envelope.

In Figure 7, I have illustrated a button 22h 110 made of composite material, comprising paper and flexible sheet metal. This button may be formed in every respect similar to the button 22 and 22a, previously described. Where the metal layer is soft iron, the paper layer is positioned towards the inner surface and it will thus be readily understood that the rather harsh edges of metal are thus avoided in grasping the button to manipulate it to the folded position. This permits the metal layer to be of rather stiff but flexible material and, further, by reason of the use of paper, proper friction will be given to the button 22o when it is turned to the crosswise position, so that it will engage the surface of the flap 15 to either side of the slot 27 and prevent accidental 125 rotation. When the button 22D is made of the composite fabric, the score lines illustrated in connection with the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6 may be entirely eliminated.

In Figures 3 to 1i, I have illustrated a form of closure suitable in all respects for my purposes for operation in a manner similar to the prior embodiments. However, in this embodiment the button 22C may be formed of stiffer material, preferably of sheet Celluloid which is formed so that its outer surface is crowned.

This may be accomplished by molding the celluloid or similar material at the time that the disk-like button is stamped from sheets of this material. The button 22e is pro-vided with curved slits 26o and 27e. Adjacent the central portion, the cutting line 32, is concentric with the orifice 24. To each side of this concentrically cut portion 32, the slitted portion is arcuate, the lines being divergent from each other. At the end of the slits 26e and 27e, small orifices 33 are provided. These orifices 33 are formed to prevent the tearing of the fabric beyond this point. In use, the edges 28e and 29o may be folded substantially to right angles of a normal plane of the 15G soi button 22C, for purposes of permitting insertion of the button through the slot 1'7 in the sealing iiap 15. `By reason of the slits 26e and 27o, as provided, the normal crowned contour of the button 22e will be overcome, and the position substantially as shown in Figure l0 will be assumed. The edges 28e and 29e may then be passed through the slot 17, when the sealing flap is folded to close the envelope. After passing the button through the slot i7 in the position just described, the edges 28o and 29e of this button are then pressed back towards the plane of the paper. By reason of the normal crowned condition of the disk of which the button is formed, the button Will snap back to its original position and no rotation is necessary to hold the flap in the closed position by the button.

As an additional means for securing the button against accidental folding, a slight pressure eX- erted on the portions 34 will serve to cause these parts to lie under the overhang 35 to each side of the eyelet, as more clearly illustrated in Figure 11. The normal crowned contour of the button 22C will be thereby accentuated and this position will be maintained to prevent the flap l5 from displacement over the shank of the eyelet 20 and the button carried thereby. Furthermore, additional frictional contact will be obtained against the iiap 15.

It will be understood that in all of the embodiments illustrated and described, the elongated slot 17 will engage the complemental means in the form of the button described, in varying positions along the length of the slot to thereby accommodate the sealing flap 15 to varying bulk of contents filled within the envelope.

It will thus be understood that i have described a new and novel fastening means for envelopes, which permits the envelope to be lled with different bulk of material, and that the flap will permit expansion as the contents are increased, and that I have further provided a closure for this envelope which is of simple and inexpensive construction, and is quickly adjusted for securely closing the envelope sealing flap. Further, by reason of the fact that I provide a button having no sharp edges, by reason of its contour and the material of which it is made, the use of this article for purposes of filling, closing and mailing,

may be accomplished with safety and speed of operation.

It will be understood that though I have described my invention as preferably applicable to mailing envelopes, particularly those which are serviceable in connection with postal regulations governing third class mail, it is contemplated by me that my invention is suitable for envelopes for all purposes, such as merchandising, whether suitable for third class mail, second and fourth class mail, or otherwise.

Further, my invention does not preclude the use of the attachment to the mailing envelope where this may be further sealed in accordance with first class mail requirements, and that my invention therefore contemplates such scope as coming within the terms of the claims.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its use, what I claim as new and desire to i secure by Letters Patent is 1. In an envelope construction, the combination with a sealing flap thereof, of fastening means therefor, including complemental elements comprising a slot and a rotatable button of gen- ,A eral dimensions larger than the width of the slot f member adapted to be fiattened over said slot and lock the flap to theenvelope in all positions of said button.

2. In an envelope construction, a sealing flap and fastening means for the sealing nap to attach the same to the body portion of the envelope, comprising an elongated slot and a substantially uni-dimensional button of general dimensions larger than the width of the slot, aixed respectively to said fiap and body portion, in cooperative engaging position adapted to be flattened over said slot and lock the flap to the envelope in all positions of said button.

3. In an envelope construction, including a sealing fiap, of fastening means for said sealing fiap to attach the same to the body portion of said envelope, an elongated slot formed on said sealing iiap, a deformable disk-like button of general dimensions larger than the width of the slot formed on said body portion of said envelope, cooperating with said slot and adapted to be flattened over said slot to hold the sealing flap in adjustable closed position.

4. In an envelope construction, of fastening means for the sealing ap thereof, comprising a slotted portion and a rotatable deformable button of general dimensions larger than the slot and insertable therethrough only by deforming the button positioned upon said iiap and body portion in cooperative engagement whereby said flap may be closed and fastened in variable, adjusta-ble closed positions by an extended and flattened position of said button.

5. In an envelope construction, including a sealing flap, of fastening means for said sealing flap, comprising an elongated slot formed on said flap, a rotatable deformable button of general dimensions larger than the width of the slot afxed to the body portion of said envelope the dimensions of said button locking the slot in all positions of the button when flattened over said slot.

6. In an envelope construction, including a sealing flap, of fastening means for said sealing flap, comprising an elongated slot formed on said flap, a deformable button affixed to the body portion of said envelope of a dimension greater than the width of the slot in all positions of said button, said button being affixed to the body portion of said envelope by an eyelet whereby said button may be turnable, cross Wise of said slot said button lying normally flattened against the slot in the locked position.

7. In an envelope construction, including a sealing flap, of fastening means for said sealing flap, comprising an elongated slot formed on said flap, a substantially uni-dimensional deformable button afnxed to the body portion of said envelope, said button being deformable by forming the same with weakened lines of fold for folding said button within the confines of said slot, the button being arranged to lie attened against the flap to engage the slot and hold it closed in all positions of said button.

8. In an envelope construction, including a sealing flap, of fastening means for said sealing flap, comprising an elongated slot formed on said flap, a rotatable deformable button affixed to the body portion of said envelope of substantially uni-dimensional outline, said button being formed of flexible fabric and formed with arcuately shaped weakened lines of fold whereby said button may be folded within the confines of said slot and raised from the body portion of said envelope during rotation for locking the flap.

9. In an envelope construction, of closure means therefor, comprising an elongated slot formed in the sealing flap of said envelope, a disk-like button of general dimensions larger than the Width of the slot positioned on the body portion of said envelope in cooperative position With said slot when the sealing ap is closed, to permitl adjustable and variable closure of said sealing flap, said button being of uni-dimensional outline and formed of a deformable material, whereby it may be folded to a dimension to pass through the slot of said sealing flap and flattened to lie over said flap to lock the same in all positions of said button.

10. In an envelope construction of closure means therefor, comprising an elongated slot formed in the sealing ap of said envelope, a disklike button positioned on the body portion of said envelope in cooperative position with said slot when the sealing flap is closed, to permit adjustable and variable Closure of said sealing ap, said button being of substantially uni-dimensional outline, larger than the width of said slot and formed of a deformable material whereby it may be passed through the slot of said sealing ilap, and means for rotatively mounting said button to the body portion of said envelope whereby it` may be positioned cross Wise to said slot and flattened to hold the flap locked in all positions of said button.

ROBT. L. GRAY.

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